The Keller Institutions

Experience the history of De Kellerske Anstalter – one of Northern Europe's largest former institutional areas for people with developmental disabilities, beautifully located by Vejle Fjord and the nature of the forest.

The institution's history

The institution was built from 1899-1901 and consists in its basic essence of a workhouse for male and female people with developmental disabilities who could perform work. It was a school for challenged children, an asylum for the mentally disabled with great support needs and a number of economic buildings consisting of farms, workshops, etc. Also belonging to the institution were a church, a water tower and the two island institutions on Livø and Sprogø.  

The institution was built by Christian Keller (1858-1934) who wanted to create a place where the residents could get light, air and live a life as normal as possible. Each ward had a view of the fjord, parks and forests. At the same time, the institution was also an isolation facility, as in the 1920s and 1930s it was feared that the residents' genes would destroy the Danish race. 

Follow this link and watch a short video about the history of Brejning and the Kellerske Anstalters: Brejning - History, community and volunteering (YouTube).

The institution's recent history

After World War II, the perception of the mentally disabled slowly changed from being called "mentally weak" to "impaired in ability" and a little later, mentally disabled. In 1968, the institution, which was now called De Kellerske Institutioner, opened a new section south of the asylum where the most self-reliant mentally disabled became part of a number of smaller residential communities. In 1990, the institution closed and the residents were relocated to apartments and smaller units in the area. The old institution buildings were partly used as a refugee center from 1990-2002. Later, an after-school program (Women's Home), apartments (Mandshjemmet and Skolehjemmet), and a hotel (Asylgården) were established in the old institution buildings from around 1900. 

Today, around 250 people with developmental disabilities still live in the area. 

Walk around De Kellerske Anstalter 

The area around the buildings is incredibly beautiful and a lovely place for a walk. Download a walking guide to the institution on the website of the museum Kellers Minde, where it is also possible to read more about the history:

• Follow this link and find the hiking route at kellersminde.dk
• Follow this link and read more about Kellers Minde museum

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